MainStage

Opera on the Avalon’s mainstage applications are accepted from both represented and non-represented artists. To express your interest in auditioning for a mainstage position, please contact Robin Whiffen, Director of Artistic Administration.

Young Artist

Opera on the Avalon’s Young Artist Program was established in 2009. Each year, OOTA selects up to twelve Young Artists, providing them with performance tools which are essential to establishing a professional career in opera.

Young Artists are at an interim point between academic training and full-time professional careers. They have recently finished graduate or professional degree programs are are currently participating in paid young artist residency programs.

The focus of OOTA’s Young Artist program is on education through performance. Young Artists receive opportunities to perform and cover appropriate roles in mainstage productions and to work with world-class performers, directors, designers and conductors.

All Young Artists participate in masterclasses, concerts, symposia series, panel discussions and community outreach initiatives, and receive coachings from festival music staff and artists in residence.

Young Artists perform under the auspices of a Canadian Actors Equity Association DOT (Dance-Opera-Theatre) agreement.

Young Artists receive a weekly stipend ranging from $250-$500 CDN based on audition merit and professional experience.

Studio Artist

Opera on the Avalon’s Studio Artist Program was established in 2009. Each year, OOTA selects Studio Artists of significant potential who are currently enrolled in post-secondary programs.

The focus of OOTA’s Studio Artist program is on education through performance. Studio Artists receive opportunities to perform and cover appropriate roles in mainstage productions and to work with world-class performers, directors, designers and conductors.

All Studio Artists participate in OOTA’s School Tour, masterclasses, concerts, symposia series, panel discussions and community outreach initiatives, and receive coachings from festival music staff and artists in residence.

Tuition for Studio Artists is $2,000

Studio Artists are eligible for a T2202A form, which allows Studio Artists to claim all tuition expenses when filing taxes.

Fellowships

Each year, OOTA selects fellows in the areas of directing, conducting, coaching, production and arts administration.
Directing Fellows serve as Assistant Directors for OOTA mainstage productions and School Tour.

Coaching Fellow’s serve as rehearsal pianist for OOTA mainstage productions and School Tour, providing artist coaching as needed, and playing for concerts and outreach initiatives.

Fellowship candidates are currently involved in or have recently finished graduate degree programs or paid young artist residency programs.

Fellows receive a weekly stipend ranging from $250-$500 CDN based on professional experience, as well as billet housing during their time with OOTA.

Audition Requirements

Season Repertoire

Each season’s repertoire is selected based on the artists heard in the annual tour.

Season Dates

To be announced.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Young Artist and Studio Artist Programs must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. Work visas are not required for non-Canadian citizens.

Applications

Deadlines: Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Please only apply for one tier of the program. If we feel you are more competitive for a different tier, we will notify you.

Fees: The Application Fee is $75 for Young Artists and Studio Artists. The Application Fee is non-refundable. If you are currently participating in a paid young artist residency program, the application fee will be waived. There will be a $25 pianist fee required at the time of auditions.

Materials: Required materials for all artists include a headshot and resume.

Auditions

Cancellations: If you need to cancel due to illness, please notify us at admin@operaontheavalon.com

Conflicts: If you are unable to keep your assigned time, you may arrange a mutual swap with another singer. Both of you must email admin@operaontheavalon.com to confirm this swap.

If you are unable to keep your assigned time, please email admin@operaontheavalon.com. You will be placed on a wait list for your preferred date and time, and we will contact you in the event that there is an opening.

Repertoire

Young Artists:

Three arias of contrasting languages and styles, and one musical theatre selection.

You will begin your audition with an aria of your choice. An additional selection may be requested.

Studio Artists:

Two arias of contrasting languages and styles, and one musical theatre selection.

You will begin your audition with an aria of your choice. An additional selection may be requested.

Coaching Fellows:

Be prepared to play and sing a selection from each of the categories below. Your selections must include one Italian, and one in either French or German. (Other languages allowed but not required)

Aria or ensemble from a Mozart opera

An accompanied recitative

A brief secco recitative excerpt

An ensemble or scene from a 19th-century opera

A brief excerpt of any type from an opera written since 1940

One other opera or musical excerpt of your choice

Sight-reading will also be included in the audition

Other Fellowships:

Interviews will be scheduled during the audition tour or by Skype.

Audition Materials

Please bring two copies of your résumé and two copies of your audition repertoire list, as well as music for the pianist to your audition.

Accompanist

An accompanist will be provided for all auditions. There will be a $25 pianist fee required at the time of auditions.

We are not able to arrange pre-audition rehearsals with the pianist.

Financial Information

Young Artists and Fellows

Young Artists and Fellows receive a weekly stipend ranging from $250 to $500 CDN, as well as billet housing.

Studio Artists

Tuition for Studio Artists is $2,000. Billet housing is provided.

All Studio Artists are eligible to receive a T2202A form, which allows Studio Artists to claim all tuition expenses.